Regarding the hip-over-foot advice: I recently have started taking Tai Chi classes, and the practice this gives for quiet, slow, balanced movement is excellent restful meditative training for climbers. Just a thort.

I'm brand new to rock climbing (you could even call it pre-brand new). I've always loved to climb, and I recently met some people who inspired me to start climbing more seriously. However, I'm currently on a backpacking trip that will continue until next june. I'm stuck to a budget, and the space confines of my bag disallow the purchase of all the gear I would need. I'm hoping to start training for rock climbing while I travel so that when I get home, I'll have a leg up (which is a particularily distinct advantage in climbing, is it not? -- pun intended). I'm going to keep my eyes open for the book Training for Climbing, but in the mean time, are there any exercises anyone can suggest for me? After reading about the tendons in my fingers, I guess I shouldn't start dead-hanging from door frames? Are there other forearm exercises I should be doing? I'm hoping to buy some kind of small forearm strengthening gadget or the like, but there are a lot to choose from. Any advice?

Hey Diana, I think you're on to a point that deserves repeating. I've done lots of yoga and some Tai-Chi (Taoist). The yoga is great and makes awesome stretching and body work, but the Tai Chi really does give a lot more sense of moving the body's weight around gracefully. I think it's worth taking a class for a season just to find out.

I'm brand new to rock climbing (you could even call it pre-brand new). I've always loved to climb, and I recently met some people who inspired me to start climbing more seriously. However, I'm currently on a backpacking trip that will continue until next june. I'm stuck to a budget, and the space confines of my bag disallow the purchase of all the gear I would need. I'm hoping to start training for rock climbing while I travel so that when I get home, I'll have a leg up (which is a particularily distinct advantage in climbing, is it not? -- pun intended). I'm going to keep my eyes open for the book Training for Climbing, but in the mean time, are there any exercises anyone can suggest for me? After reading about the tendons in my fingers, I guess I shouldn't start dead-hanging from door frames? Are there other forearm exercises I should be doing? I'm hoping to buy some kind of small forearm strengthening gadget or the like, but there are a lot to choose from. Any advice?

thanks a bunch! -Ben

Did you read the section about strengthening? You need to focus on skill over strength, if anything I would start trying to WALK up the steepest thing you can safely walk up. Feet are the most important thing you can focus on. If you strengthen your hand strength before learning proper technique you will be more likely to injure yourself when you do start climbing.

That book discusses how to train, both what to do and what to avoid when getting started.

I would also recommend buying and reading Rock Climbing: Mastering Basic Skills by Craig Luebben This book outlines some climbing technique as well as safety techniques. This book will offer you the skills to get a "leg up" in the most useful manor, by making you a safe climber.

dude u never heard of climbing chalk? ur a member of this website, why dont u take a look a the gear, n for your weight do more cardio and do not forget to breath while climbing, it makes it easier for people who have extra weight to carry to move around especially if your breathing rite more oxygene can get to your muscles.

While you are talking about books. One that seems to be getting good reviews (and has only been out since April) is Climbing Games. There is a sample of it here - http://issuu.com/pesdapress/docs/climbinggamess

dude u never heard of climbing chalk? ur a member of this website, why dont u take a look a the gear, n for your weight do more cardio and do not forget to breath while climbing, it makes it easier for people who have extra weight to carry to move around especially if your breathing rite more oxygene can get to your muscles.

dude u never heard of climbing chalk? ur a member of this website, why dont u take a look a the gear, n for your weight do more cardio and do not forget to breath while climbing, it makes it easier for people who have extra weight to carry to move around especially if your breathing rite more oxygene can get to your muscles.

I found it hard to breath while trying to read that as one sentence.

Plus the effort of translating from both texting-speak and gibberish to English.

For fucksake, if you don't know the difference between you're and your or rite and right, why should anyone believe anything you have to say about training?

Thanks for some great advise! I have only been climbing for about a year but have became addicted. When I started there were a couple girls showing me a few things and I understand that they are more graceful and wonderful teachers. Something else that has helped me A LOT is what stymingersfink said, start asking questions. I have yet to meet a rude person at the wall not willing to help out.

Thanks for some great advise! I have only been climbing for about a year but have became addicted. When I started there were a couple girls showing me a few things and I understand that they are more graceful and wonderful teachers. Something else that has helped me A LOT is what stymingersfink said, start asking questions. I have yet to meet a rude person at the wall not willing to help out.

Well said Robot!We rock climbers are really nice people. huh? We were just like you our first year in. We do wanna help out others, save others, feed, give a beer, etc. I bet you some of the biggest A-holes on this site are nice in real life. Boy....I feel a lot better about everything. Thanks Robot

All in all good advice. I've found that a large majority of injuries and ailments in any sport seem to stem from people not warming up, stretching, and cooling down. It's not sexy or exciting. It's just how our bodies work. I also take a vitamin supplement for climbers that has given me pretty good results: http://www.vitarack.myshopify.com